Love Island embroiled in a race row minutes into new series

Love Island has been criticised just one episode into the new summer series, with a race row already brewing. 

The ITV2 dating show returned to screens on Monday night for its tenth series with 10 new Islanders setting up home in the Mallorca villa.

Host Maya Jama presided over the first coupling up of the series, which this year saw the public vote on who should be paired. 

Some viewers criticised the pairings, with one tweeting: ‘The general public cannot be trusted. EVERY year they couple people up together by race.’

Another tweeted: ‘Soooo the public decided lets put the 4 white people together, two black together, two mixed race together and the Asian and French together….. sure, love island producers asked US to vote… we didn’t vote sh*t. I don’t know why I’m surprised.’ 

Criticism: Love Island has sparked a race row with some viewers criticising the first couplings during the opening episode of the new Summer series 

‘Lol the British public does not like race mixing. they colour matched the couples,’ tweeted another viewer.

The first couples for this series are Ella Thomas and Tyrqiue Hyde; Ruchee Gurun and Medhi Edno; Andre Furtado and Catherine Agbaje; Mitchel Taylor and Molly Marsh and Jess Harding and George Fensom.

Love Island has been contacted by MailOnline for comment.

Meanwhile some viewers admitted to being very confused as they had no idea they could vote.

One user said: ‘Who’s this public and when did we vote? #LoveIsland.’ Another one commented: ‘Were the public even aware they had the vote?? #LoveIsland.’

‘Am I the only one who wasn’t aware of the public vote? #LoveIsland,’ another user agreed.

During last year’s summer series the show came under fire when four black contestants were the first to be dumped from the dating show.

Ikenna Ekwonna and Amber Beckford were kicked out of the villa after being voted the public’s least favourite boy and girl.

It's back: The ITV2 dating show returned to screens on Monday night for its tenth series with ten new Islanders setting up home in the Mallorca villa (pictured: Catherine Agbaje and Andre Furtado)

It’s back: The ITV2 dating show returned to screens on Monday night for its tenth series with ten new Islanders setting up home in the Mallorca villa (pictured: Catherine Agbaje and Andre Furtado)

Coupling up: Host Maya Jama presided over the first coupling up of the series, which this year saw the public vote on who should be paired up (pictured: Jess Harding and George Fensom)

Coupling up: Host Maya Jama presided over the first coupling up of the series, which this year saw the public vote on who should be paired up (pictured: Jess Harding and George Fensom)

Row: Despite the decision being left to the public, some viewers criticised the pairings, with one tweeting: 'the public cannot be trusted. EVERY year they couple people up by race' (pictured: Ella Thomas and Tyrique Hyde)

Row: Despite the decision being left to the public, some viewers criticised the pairings, with one tweeting: ‘the public cannot be trusted. EVERY year they couple people up by race’ (pictured: Ella Thomas and Tyrique Hyde)

New pairings: Another tweeted: 'Soooo the public decided lets put the 4 white people together, two black together, two mixed race together and the asian and french together' (pictured: Ruchee Gurung and Mehdi Edno)

New pairings: Another tweeted: ‘Soooo the public decided lets put the 4 white people together, two black together, two mixed race together and the asian and french together’ (pictured: Ruchee Gurung and Mehdi Edno)

Up to the public: Meanwhile some viewers admitted to being very confused as they had no idea they could vote (pictured: Molly Marsh and Mitchel Taylor)

Up to the public: Meanwhile some viewers admitted to being very confused as they had no idea they could vote (pictured: Molly Marsh and Mitchel Taylor)

It came after Afia Tonkmor and Remi Lambert were axed the previous week after failing to successfully couple up with any of the other islanders.

Meanwhile at the start of the 2022 summer series a separate race row erupted as fans of the ITV2 dating show accused producers of ‘segregating’ the couples based on the colour of their skin.

There was outcry on social media during the opening night’s show, which saw the four black contestants paired together by the public vote: Indiyah Polack with Ikenna and Amber with Dami Hope.

It was the first time the initial coupling-up had been decided by the public, as previous years have placed the power into the hands of the contestants. 

Back in 2020 a race row was sparked after Leanne Amaning was picked last on the opening episode when the Islanders picked the pairings.

Fans pointed out that this was the fourth time an ethnic minority contestant had been chosen last during the coupling process.

In the past the show’s lineup has been heavily criticised by viewers, who complained that the show lacked any real racial diversity among its long list of contestants.

‘Getting bored with every new girl being a white, skinny long haired blonde or brunette in #Loveisland,’ one viewer tweeted during the 2018 series. 

'Shock': 'Lol the British public does not like race mixing. they colour matched the couples,' tweeted another viewer

‘Shock’: ‘Lol the British public does not like race mixing. they colour matched the couples,’ tweeted another viewer

Love Island bosses unveiled their latest duty of care policy before the show returned on Monday.

Stars will complete video training on topics including mutually respectful behaviour in relationships, controlling and coercive behaviour and language around disability, sexuality, race and ethnicity, and microaggressions.

It comes after the last series was hit by hundreds of Ofcom complaints over ‘toxic’ behaviour from the female stars, with exchanges leaving their male co-stars in tears.

Bosses have formally introduced a guideline asking participants to ‘pause’ their social media accounts for the duration of their time on the show.

This is to ensure the stars and their families are ‘protected from the adverse effects of social media.’

This year’s inclusion training will consist of conversations chaired by BCOMS (Black Collective of Media in Sport) founder Leon Mann MBE with DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) consultant Hayley Bennett, disability specialist Shani Dhanda and broadcaster Sean Fletcher. 

Love Island’s duty of care protocols in full – ahead of the summer series

The full duty of care process is outlined below:

Pre Filming and Filming

– Registered mental health professional engaged throughout the whole series – from pre-filming to aftercare.

– Thorough pre-filming psychological and medical assessments including assessments by an independent doctor, psychological consultant and reports from each Islander’s own GP to check medical history.

– Potential Islanders are required to fully disclose in confidence any medical history that would be relevant to their inclusion in the Villa and the production’s ability to provide a suitable environment for them.

– Managing cast expectations: detailed explanations both verbally and in writing of the implications, both positive and negative, of taking part in the series are given to potential cast members throughout the casting process and reinforced within the contract so it is clear.

– Cast are told they should consider all the potential implications of taking part in the show and work through this decision-making process in consultation with their family and those closest to them, to ensure they feel it is right for them.

– Senior Team on the ground have received training in Mental Health First Aid.

– A welfare team solely dedicated to the Islanders both during the show and after.

Aftercare

– Bespoke training on dealing with social media and advice on finance and adjusting to life back home.

– A minimum of eight therapy sessions will be offered to each Islander when they return home.

– Proactive contact with Islanders for a period of 14 months after the series in which they have appeared has ended, with additional help provided where applicable.

– We encourage Islanders to secure management to represent them after the show and manage them should they choose to take part in other TV shows, advertising campaigns or other public appearance opportunities.

– Bespoke training on dealing with social media and advice on finance and adjusting to life back home.

– A minimum of eight therapy sessions will be offered to each Islander when they return home.

– Proactive contact with Islanders for a period of 14 months after the series in which they have appeared has ended, with additional help provided where applicable.

– We encourage Islanders to secure management to represent them after the show and manage them should they choose to take part in other TV shows, advertising campaigns or other public appearance opportunities.

First introduced in 2022, these discussions will tackle topics including inclusive language and behaviour, creating safe spaces and being a good ally.

Prior to appearing on the show, prospective Islanders will also watch a video fronted by the show’s Executive Producer and Head of Welfare, interviewing former Islanders about their experiences on the show. 

This includes details on the two week period before they enter the Villa, how to cope being filmed 24/7, the interaction they will have with producers, the support provided to family, dealing with trolling, and adapting to life away from the show.

All of the stars will have access to a lengthy aftercare package, which extends support to Islanders after their time on the show.

This year’s stars will also undergo training on financial management, the impacts of social media and handling potential negativity, and guidance around taking on management after leaving the show.

Love Island continues at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.

MEET THE ISLANDERS

Ruchee Gurung

NAMERuchee Gurung

AGE: 24

FROM: Sutton 

OCCUPATION: Beautician

WHY ENTER THE VILLA? I’m single and looking for love, and it’s the perfect opportunity for me to find someone. I’m a relationship kind of girl, but so far it’s not worked out for me.  

WHY DATE ME? I’m really caring, when I’m with someone I’m all about them. I’m also really loyal and love doing nice things for the people that are special to me. My love language is gift giving, so I’m a real giver when it comes to relationships

Tyrique Hyde

NAME: Tyrique Hyde

AGE: 24

FROM: Essex

OCCUPATION: Footballer 

WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE VILLA? I’ll bring vibes, confidence, good energy and honesty. I don’t sit on the fence, if I have an opinion I will speak up. I’m also not afraid to go after what I want 

CLAIM T0 FAME? Toby Aromolaran is one of my best friends, we grew up together and were in the same class at school 

Molly Marsh

Molly Marsh

NAME:  Molly Marsh

AGE: 24

FROM: Yorkshire 

OCCUPATION: Actress 

WHY LOVE ISLAND AND WHY NOW? I think it’s ideal timing and the perfect way to find someone. 

I don’t go out and party and I don’t use dating apps, I’m actually quite old-fashioned, so there’s no better way to meet someone than by going into a Villa in the sun with the potential ‘one’ in there.

George Fensom

George Fensom

 NAME: George Fensom

AGE: 24

FROM: Bedford

OCCUPATION: Business Development Executive

HOW WOULD YOUR FAMILY DESCRIBE YOU? I’m the first person to bring the vibe up, I’m always dancing, I’m always the one who wants to go out. My go-to dance move is what I call the Dad Dance, I’m gonna bring dad jokes and dad dancing to the Villa.’

Catherine Agbaje

NAME: Catherine Agbaje

AGE: 22

FROM: Dublin 

OCCUPATION: Commercial Real Estate Agent

HOW WOULD FAMILY AND FRIENDS DESCRIBE YOU? Someone who is fun and a loving character. They know I have so much love to give. 

I’m always smiling, I’m always happy, I’m always laughing. You’ll always see me with a smile on my face.’

Mehdi Edno

Mehdi Edno

NAME: Mehdi Edno

AGE: 26

FROM: Bordeaux/London

OCCUPATION: Communications Manager/Model 

ARE YOU READY TO FIND THE ONE? Yes. I’ve been busy for the last few years with work, and doing my Masters degree but now I’m done with the busy schedule, and ready to find love. 

THREE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO HAVE IN A PARTNER?  Looks are important but they aren’t everything, a good sense of humour and someone who is outgoing and up for an adventure is what I’m looking for.

NAME: Ella Thomas

Ella Thomas

Ella Thomas

AGE: 23

FROM: Glasgow 

OCCUPATION: Model 

WHAT’S YOUR CLAIM TO FAME? I’ve been in a Headie One and Burna Burna Boy music video and I was once an extra in World War Z. I was 12 years old when I filmed it and got to meet Brad Pitt which was cool.

WHY SHOULD SOMEBODY DATE YOU? I’m the whole package, I know what I want in life and I’ve got a big heart. 

Mitchel Taylor

Mitchel Taylor

NAME: Mitchel Taylor

AGE: 26

FROM: Sheffield 

OCCUPATION: Gas engineer 

WHY SHOULD SOMEBODY DATE YOU? I thrive on being a gentleman. I’ll shower you with flowers, I’ll take you on dates, I’ll fill your bedside drawer with your favourite sweets and chocolate. I’ve been single, I’ve had my fun and now I want to settle down. 

WHY ARE YOU SINGLE? I’m just really picky. I’ve got to find the girl that I want to marry and have kids with. I’m nearly 27, I don’t want to play the field anymore, I want to find the one. 

Jess Harding

Jess Harding

NAME: Jess Harding

AGE: 22

FROM: London

OCCUPATION: Aesthetics Practitioner

WHY ARE YOU SINGLE? Because every boy is giving me the ick at the moment. I feel like it’s fate because I’m saving myself for Mr Right in the Villa!

WHAT GIVES YOU THE ICK? When a guy stunts for money, that’s an ick. Showing off all their designer clothes because most of the time they’re probably fake anyway! Another one is when a boy runs for the train and the train goes without him. Lunch Boxes also – just go to Tesco and get a meal deal! 

Andre Furtado

NAME: Andre Furtado

AGE: 21

FROM: Dudley 

OCCUPATION: Economics graduate and clothing brand entrepreneur

WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE VILLA? I’m charming, I’m going to bring good looks and some language lessons. I’m going to teach the other Islanders Portuguese, Spanish and a little bit of Creole. I think I’ve got every slice of the pie. 

DO YOU FALL IN LOVE QUICKLY? I would say I fall too quickly to be honest. When I look at beautiful ladies, before I’ve said hello to them I’ve already fallen in love. I’m already planning the wedding. 

Zachariah Noble

Zachariah Noble

NAME: Zachariah Noble

AGE: 25

FROM: South East London

OCCUPATION: Personal trainer and basketball player

WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE VILLA? I’m a very chilled out guy and I’m completely myself 100% of the time. I’m quite straightforward and never struggle making friends, I like to look after people.

WHAT GIVES YOU THE ICK? I’ve got two and they’re both really stupid; Bad handwriting – I’ve got terrible handwriting so they’d need to have better handwriting than me and twerking, I really don’t like twerking! 

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